Mesa is proposing one of the state's more liberal fireworks laws, allowing its residents to use sparklers and some other types of commercial fireworks.
The city would allow fireworks for about a week before the Fourth of July and before New Year's Day, and would designate several open spaces where residents could set them off while safety officials would supervise.
That's the least restrictive city policy currently under consideration in Arizona, as Mesa fire officials said other municipalities that are reviewing their fireworks policies are enacting total bans. In the East Valley, Tempe approved a ban last week.
Many Arizona cities are setting fireworks policies after the Legislature acted this spring to legalize their use and sale on Dec. 1. The new law allows cities and counties to ban or restrict use, but they cannot stop the sale of fireworks.
Some Mesa City Council members pushed for a ban, but Mayor Scott Smith argued the city might as well have some times of year when fireworks are legal because so many people have used them illegally for such a long time.
"I think it's a feel good measure that other cities have taken," Smith said Thursday.
Legalized fireworks will increase the number of injuries and the amount of damage, Councilman Scott Somers said. In the past five years, fireworks have caused $500,000 in damage across Mesa.
Somers is also a firefighter who warned sparklers could easily trigger fires in yards that would spread to a neighbor's house. He also fears fires will spread to wildlands east of the city. Somers said legal fireworks could be costly for Mesa because of a provision in Arizona's new law that allows the state to bill cities for fighting wildfires that start in a municipality.
"This state is flammable, particularly in the months of June, July and August," Somers said.
Fireworks sales would likely be allowed at stores year-round, while tents could sell during the peak fireworks seasons to meet higher demand.
The City Council discussed whether residents could use fireworks at their homes, but the group was split. The council will vote on residential use in November, when a more detailed fireworks ordinance is prepared for approval.
The idea of designated areas for fireworks triggered some humor about one of the city's most blighted shopping centers, Fiesta Village. Tensions have flared between its owner and the city, which has pushed for a clean-up of the vacant, fenced-off property. Councilman Dennis Kavanaugh has been the center's fiercest critic but did not attend Thursday's City Council discussion on fireworks.
"Since Councilmember Kavanaugh is not here, I'm going to go ahead and suggest the northwest corner of Alma School and Southern," Councilman Dave Richins said, referring to center's location.
Smith joined in on the joke.
"That could be the best suggestion I've heard in two-and-a-half years," Smith said, referring to how long he's been mayor.
trigama posted at 12:18 pm on Thu, Oct 28, 2010.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Need I say more , OK, I will. Most places that have legal firework do not allow bottle rockets or firecrackers. Talk about tax revenue it is a consumable product $$. instant resale $$ what is legal are fountains smoke bombs, ground effects, mortors ect. Legalize them IN THE CITY ONLY! With Serious fines in the desert or forests and enforce it. If someones dead weeds or grass catches fire fine them for not cutting it.
TruthSeeker posted at 1:03 pm on Thu, Oct 28, 2010.
"The city would allow fireworks for about a week before the Fourth of July and before New Year's Day, and would designate several open spaces where residents could set them off while safety officials would supervise."
Is this a joke? Do you honestly think people are going to buy fireworks and then gather in one location to set them off? I've had a problem with the apartment dwellers behind my house that set off bottle rockets that landed on my roof. I also have lots of trees that could have been set on fire. I heard parents, that were out taking a leisurely walk, yelling at their kids to run because a bottle rocket was coming towards them. So do you really think that people will go to a designated area with their fireworks?
[rolleyes]
eberdiet posted at 1:33 pm on Thu, Oct 28, 2010.
This is just moronic. My neighborhood also has these inconsiderate yahoos, including adults, who fire off illegal firecrackers every 4th of July and New Years eve. The fire danger is real. And no, they will not go to approved places, they will continue to use them where they live, and with this ordinance even more so.. Additionally, the following day you can tell how much havoc they have created to animals by the many loose dogs roaming the streets who have been terrified and escaped from their backyards because of the noise. I wish the Mayor would pay attention to the fire officials and Councilman Somers instead of buying into the stupid argument that "well, they're doing it anyway". Sheeesh.
Poorman posted at 7:52 am on Fri, Oct 29, 2010.
Well maybe ther is hope for Mesa yet.
EmperorSmith posted at 11:10 am on Fri, Oct 29, 2010.
go back to CA and NY.
Azgulch posted at 11:19 am on Sat, Oct 30, 2010.
I can't believe the Mayor's remarks about allowing illegalities simply because they are commonly done despite the fact they are illegal.
Using that reasoning one, could argue that drive-by-shootings, arson, hate crimes and domestic abuse should have yearly, no penalty open seasons because these are done illegally so many times a year.
For the safety of the city I urge the Mayor and City Council to reconsider their position.
eberdiet posted at 10:57 am on Thu, Jan 26, 2012.
I would like those people who shoot off these firecrackers come out to the neighborhoods and round up all those scared to death dogs that jumped fences in their terror of these noises and bring them back to their owners. Unfortunately, most don't get back home. Where do these City officials get these brainless ideas without thinking the consequences through?